Fixing Dry, Brittle Nails

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Dry and brittle nails are very common but very rarely serious. Nevertheless, they can cause people to become self-conscious or worried that the condition of their nails is a symptom of a larger problem. There are several different home remedies that can improve and fix dry, brittle nails.

Reviewing Your Diet

What you eat can be reflected in the outward health of your body. For the health of your body and the appearance of your nails, you need to get enough vitamin C, proteins, biotin (vitamin B7), zinc, iron, and calcium. As well as these essentials, dry and brittle nails will be helped by an increase in the consumption of cold-water fish because they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help nails to strengthen. Vitamin E will also improve dry, brittle nails, so include enough dark green vegetables in your meals.

2

Moisturizing

Keeping your nails and cuticles well-moisturized is one of the most crucial steps in fixing dry, brittle nails. Apply a good-quality lotion on your hands whenever they feel dry and make sure a bit of the lotion gets to your nails and cuticles too. For an intensive treatment, soak your nails in extra virgin olive oil or rub the oil into your nails and cuticles. Avocado oil and coconut oil can also work in place of olive oil. The oil will help to improve and fix dry, weak, peeling nails while also nourishing brittle or damaged cuticles.

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Staying Hydrated

Making sure you stay hydrated by drinking enough water each day is important for your overall health as well as the health of your nails. It is recommended that you get at least eight cups of water each day, which can come in what you drink or eat. This can help to hydrate your nails along with the rest of your body.

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Protecting Your Hands

Gloves are your best friend when attempting to banish dry and brittle nails. Protect your nails from harsh outdoor elements by wearing winter gloves, and use rubber gloves to make sure they don't suffer from being exposed to water or any harsh cleaning chemicals when washing the dishes or cleaning around the house.

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Avoiding Smoking

Smoking can have a negative impact on many different aspects of your health, and nail health is no exception. Studies have shown that a smoking habit before and during menopause can cause both brittle, dry nails and lower bone density. Attempt to cut down or quit completely to fix dry and brittle nails, and you will be rewarded with a new sense of health and overall well-being.

Dry, brittle nails can be frustrating, but there are ways in which you can fix them. By following the five tips above, you should be able to begin to see improvements in the health of your nails, and many of these tips are also good for your overall health. Also, read about foods to cure brittle nails and hair loss.

National Health Service UK. (2013). Nail abnormalities. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nail-abnormalities/Pages/Introduction.aspx

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Health Effects. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from http://smokefree.gov/health-effects

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